Locking tab for container lid

ABSTRACT

A lid for reclosably covering a container is disclosed. In an illustrative implementation, the lid comprises a gripping portion having an annular channel able to removably receive a rim of the container, and a central section bordered by the gripping portion. The lid also has a reclosable flap comprising an arcuate portion of the gripping portion and a bendable portion of the central section. The reclosable flap is bordered on a first side by a first frangible line of separation, and on a second side by a second frangible line of separation, the first and second lines of separation extending inwardly from an edge of the gripping portion. The lid also includes a locking tab forming part of the reclosable flap, extending from the arcuate portion of the gripping portion, and which is able to engage a bottom side of the rim when the reclosable flap is in a closed position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A wide variety of lids have been developed to cover containers such as beverage cups. Commercially available lids may be designed for purposes such as preventing spillage and leakage, helping to protect the contents of the container from dust and contaminants, and providing thermal insulation for hot or cold beverages. After the container has been filled and the lid has been applied, a user may access the contents of the container (e.g., for drinking or pouring) by removing all or part of the lid, or by folding back a portion of the lid.

Some molded lids for beverage cups have included a tear-back flap which, when pulled upward by a lifting tab from an initial closed position, tears a small opening in the lid that enables a user to access the contents. Generally, such lids provide means for the user to lock the lifting tab or another portion of the tear-back flap in an open position. For example, a portion of the tear-back flap may be designed to be able to frictionally engage one or more projections or indentations on the lid, to secure the tear-back flap in an open position.

In many cases, after opening the tear-back flap, the user may desire to return the tear-back flap to its closed position. In a typical example, after sipping a portion of a beverage through the opening, the user may wish to reclose the lid during a pause in consumption. However, such lids generally are not provided with reliable means for securing the tear-back flap, once opened, in the closed position. Accordingly, the contents of the container may leak or spill, which may result in inconvenience, injury, or property damage. Leakage or spillage may occur, for example, if the container is bumped, tilted, jostled, or if the container is set down in a cup holder of a vehicle that suddenly stops or accelerates.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A lid for reclosably covering a container is provided. In an illustrative implementation, the lid comprises a gripping portion having an annular channel able to removably receive a rim of the container, and a central section bordered by the gripping portion. The lid also has a reclosable flap comprising an arcuate portion of the gripping portion and a bendable portion of the central section. The reclosable flap is bordered on a first side by a first frangible line of separation, and on a second side by a second frangible line of separation, the first and second lines of separation extending inwardly from an edge of the gripping portion. The lid also includes a locking tab forming part of the reclosable flap, extending from the arcuate portion of the gripping portion, and which is able to engage a bottom side of the rim when the reclosable flap is in a closed position.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form that is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary lid, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side or edge view of a portion of the exemplary lid of FIG. 1, taken along lines A-A thereof.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the exemplary lid of FIG. 2, taken along lines B-B thereof.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a container and a portion of a lid, according to the illustrated embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present invention provide a lid that can be used to cover a container (e.g., a beverage cup). The lid has a reclosable flap, such as a tear-back flap, which is designed to be pulled back by a user from an initial closed position. In an illustrative embodiment, the reclosable flap is able to be removably locked in the open position; for example, in some embodiments, a portion of the reclosable flap frictionally engages one or more projections or indentations on the lid. The reclosable flap is also able to be removably locked in a closed position, using a locking tab. In an illustrative example of the use of the locking tab, after a user has taken a sip of liquid from the container, the user can close the reclosable flap, securing the reclosable flap in the closed position.

Referring to the drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like elements, FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary lid 100 in accordance with herein described systems and methods, depicting a first side of the lid 100. When the lid 100 is used to cover a container (e.g., a beverage cup) having an upward-facing opening, the first side depicted in FIG. 1 is the top side of lid 100.

The lid 100 comprises a gripping portion 130, and a central portion 135 bordered by the gripping portion 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the central portion 135 substantially covers the opening of the container while the gripping portion 130 engages a rim of the container surrounding the opening. The gripping portion 130 and the central portion 135, in some embodiments, can comprise any of a wide variety of functional or decorative raised portions, lowered portions, tabs, notches, channels, indentations, ventilation holes, and the like.

The gripping portion 130, in an exemplary embodiment, is generally annular, and substantially surrounds a circumference of the central portion 135. The gripping portion 130 has an annular channel (shown in cross-section in FIG. 3) able to removably receive a rim of the container. The annular channel is closed on the first side of lid 100, and is open opposite the first side of lid 100.

The lid 100 has a reclosable flap 160, comprising an arcuate portion 131 of the gripping portion 130 and a bendable portion 165 of the central section 135. The bendable portion 165 of the reclosable flap 160 is bordered on a first side by a first frangible line of separation 161, extending inwardly from an edge of the gripping portion 130. The bendable portion 165 is bordered on a second side by a second frangible line of separation 162, extending inwardly from an edge of the gripping portion 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the bendable portion 165 is bordered on a third side by a hinge line 163 along which the bendable portion 165 can be bent. The bendable portion 165 is bordered on a fourth side by the arcuate portion 131 of the gripping portion 130 between the first and second frangible lines of separation 161, 162.

The exemplary lid 100 of FIG. 1 is shown in an initial closed position; that is, no tearing or separation has occurred along the first and second frangible lines of separation 161, 162. In some embodiments, the first and second frangible lines of separation 161, 162 each can comprise a perforation line, a microperforation line, a line of weakness in the material of the lid 100, a cut line, an etched line, a molded line, and/or any other suitable frangible line of separation or line of weakening in the lid 100.

In some embodiments, the hinge line 163 may be along a line formed in the material of the lid 100, such as an etched line, a molded line, a line of weakness, or the like. In further embodiments, the hinge line 163 may simply be determined by a line from the inner end of the first frangible lines of separation 161 to the inner end of the second frangible line of separation 162. In still further embodiments, upon tearing of the frangible lines of separation 161, 162, by a user of the lid 100, the hinge line 163 may be determined by a line extending from the inner end of the tear along the first frangible line of separation 161 to the inner end of the tear along the second frangible line of separation 162.

In some embodiments, a lifting tab 120 forms part of the reclosable flap 160. An exemplary lifting tab 120 extends laterally outwardly from the arcuate portion 131 of the gripping portion 130. A user can open the reclosable flap 160 by tearing or separating the reclosable flap 160 along the first and second frangible lines of separation 161, 162. For example, by pulling the lifting tab 120 in a direction generally upward and toward the center of the central panel 135, the user may open the reclosable flap 160.

After the reclosable flap 160 has been opened, the reclosable flap 160 is securable in an open position (e.g., for drinking a beverage from the container) and in a closed position. Any of a variety of means may be used to secure the reclosable flap 160 in the open position. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projections 170 (e.g., formed beads) may be provided to releasably engage the arcuate portion 131 of the gripping portion 130 when a user of the lid 100 desires to secure the reclosable flap 160 in the open position. Exemplary projections 170 may, for instance, be molded from the material of the lid 100. In further embodiments, one or more projections 170 may be designed to receive and to frictionally engage any suitable corresponding portion or portions of the reclosable flap 160, such that the reclosable flap 160 can be held in the open position. Such means are known in the art and need not be described in detail.

FIG. 2 is a side or edge view of a portion of the exemplary lid 100 of FIG. 1, taken along lines A-A thereof. In an illustrative embodiment, lifting tab 120 extends from an outer side of the arcuate portion 131. In some embodiments, the lifting tab 120 may be designed to have a width 221 such that the lifting tab 120 is easily grippable between a thumb and forefinger of the user. In one such embodiment, an example of a suitable width 221 for the lifting tab 120 is about one inch; however, the width 221 may be larger or smaller, as may be desired.

Locking tab 110 is provided to releasably engage the rim of the container. Exemplary dimensions of locking tab 110 are shown by dotted lines in the illustration of FIG. 2. Locking tab 110 extends from an inner side (not shown in FIG. 2) of the arcuate portion 131. The locking tab 110 may project, in some embodiments, from the inner side of the arcuate portion 131 of the gripping portion 130. In other embodiments, the locking tab 110 may project from a portion of the lifting tab 120. Locking tab 110 and lifting tab 120 may in some embodiments be integrally formed or molded as a part of lid 110. In the illustrated embodiment, locking tab 110 has a width 222 that is less than or equal to the width 221 of lifting tab 120. In one such embodiment, an example of a suitable width 222 for the locking tab 110 is about 0.625 inches, or about five-eighths of the width 221 of the lifting tab 120; however, the width 222 may be larger or smaller, as may be desired.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the exemplary lid 100 shown in FIG. 2, taken along lines B-B thereof. The gripping portion 130 has an annular channel 133 able to removably receive a rim of the container. The annular channel 133 is closed on a first side of lid 100, and is open on a second side opposite the first side of lid 100. When the lid 100 is used to cover a container (e.g., a beverage cup) having an upward-facing opening, the second side is the bottom side of lid 100.

When the reclosable flap 160 is in a closed position, the locking tab 110 projects toward the annular channel 133.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a container 140 and a portion of a lid 100, according to an embodiment of the invention. The lid 100 is depicted in use on the container 140. An exemplary container 140 that is suitable for use with embodiments of the invention has a rim 150, such as a rolled or beaded rim, forming a generally toroidal annulus around the opening of the container 140.

Reclosable flap 160 is shown in a closed position, wherein a portion of the rim 150 is received by the arcuate portion 131 of the gripping portion 130. The locking tab 110 is able to engage a bottom side of the rim 150 when the reclosable flap 160 is in the closed position. In an exemplary embodiment, when the reclosable flap 160 is in the closed position, a cross-section of the locking tab 110 contacts a cross-section of the rim 150 at approximately a tangent to an arc formed by the rim 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking tab 110 is oriented at an angle 125 of about thirty degrees from a line substantially parallel to a central axis of the lid 100. In this position, the locking tab 110 is able to hold the reclosable flap 160 closed tightly enough to prevent or retard leakage or spillage of the contents of the container 140 in ordinary use, and yet may be released easily when the lifting tab 120 is pulled upward by the user.

In an illustrative embodiment, the reclosable flap 160 may be used by pulling the lifting tab 120 upward from its closed position, and separating the reclosable flap 160 along a first and second frangible line of separation 161, 162. The reclosable flap 160 may then be secured in an open position, thereby providing access to the contents of container 140. The reclosable flap 160 may be returned to a closed position and locked by engaging a bottom side of the rim 150 of the container 140 with the locking tab 110. When the user pulls the lifting tab 120 upward, the reclosable flap 160 is able to flex at the bendable portion 165, allowing the locking tab 110 to easily move upward along the rim 150 and disengage from the rim 150.

Although exemplary implementations of the invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many additional modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention. Accordingly, these and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention. The invention may be better defined by the following exemplary claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A lid for reclosably covering a container, comprising: a gripping portion having an annular channel able to removably receive a rim of the container; a central section bordered by the gripping portion; a reclosable flap comprising an arcuate portion of the gripping portion and a bendable portion of the central section, bordered by a first frangible line of separation on a first side of the reclosable flap, and by a second frangible line of separation on a second side of the reclosable flap, the first and second lines of separation extending inwardly from an edge of the gripping portion; and a locking tab forming part of the reclosable flap, extending from the arcuate portion of the gripping portion, and which is able to engage a bottom side of the rim when the reclosable flap is in a closed position.
 2. The lid of claim 1 wherein, when the reclosable flap is in a closed position, the locking tab projects toward the annular channel.
 3. The lid of claim 2 wherein, when the reclosable flap is in a closed position, the locking tab projects toward the annular channel from an edge of the arcuate portion.
 4. The lid of claim 2 wherein, when the reclosable flap is in a closed position, the locking tab is oriented at an angle of about thirty degrees from a line substantially parallel to a central axis of the lid.
 5. The lid of claim 1 wherein, when the reclosable flap is in a closed position, a cross-section of the locking tab contacts a cross-section of the rim at approximately a tangent to an arc formed by the rim.
 6. The lid of claim 1 further comprising: a lifting tab forming part of the reclosable flap, extending laterally outwardly from the arcuate portion of the gripping portion.
 7. A reclosable flap for a lid of a container, comprising: a gripping portion having an annular channel able to removably receive a rim of the container; a bendable portion of a section of the lid, wherein the section is bordered by the gripping portion; the bendable portion being bordered by a first frangible line of separation on a first side, and by a second frangible line of separation on a second side, the first and second lines of separation extending inwardly from an edge of the gripping portion; and a locking tab that extends from the gripping portion and is able to engage a bottom side of the rim when the reclosable flap is in a closed position.
 8. The reclosable flap of claim 7 wherein, when the reclosable flap is in a closed position, the locking tab projects toward the annular channel.
 9. The reclosable flap of claim 7 wherein, when the reclosable flap is in a closed position, the locking tab projects toward the annular channel from an edge of the gripping portion.
 10. The reclosable flap of claim 7 wherein, when the reclosable flap is in a closed position, the locking tab is oriented at an angle of about thirty degrees from a line substantially parallel to a central axis of the lid.
 11. The reclosable flap of claim 7 wherein, when the reclosable flap is in a closed position, a cross-section of the locking tab contacts a cross-section of the rim at approximately a tangent to an arc formed by the rim.
 12. The reclosable flap of claim 7 further comprising a lifting tab extending laterally outwardly from the gripping portion.
 13. A method for using a reclosable flap of a lid covering a container, comprising: pulling a lifting tab upward from a closed position, separating a reclosable flap along a first and second frangible line of separation, securing the reclosable flap in an open position, returning the reclosable flap to a closed position, and engaging a bottom side of a rim of the container with a locking tab forming part of the reclosable flap.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein pulling the lifting tab upward further comprises bending the reclosable flap at a bendable portion, allowing the locking tab to move upward along the rim and disengage from the rim. 